Library Assistant, Indigenous Studies Portal

University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; Hybrid; CAD 42,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Saskatchewan invites applications for a Library Assistant in Indigenous Studies Portal. You will select, describe, and maintain I-Portal content and assist users, collaborating with campus and community partners to enhance the portal as a learning resource.

The role emphasizes Indigenous knowledge, OCAP considerations, and a service-oriented environment within the University Archives and Special Collections.

Qualifications

• Demonstrates precise attention to cataloguing and metadata creation for Indigenous resources.
• Understands culturally sensitive material and applies appropriate terminology.
• Experience with online resources and Indigenous collections is preferred.
• Reads and summarizes academic documents in English and proofreads text.
• Able to use translation tools for Indigenous languages.

Responsibilities

• Identify suitable content for the I-Portal and create database records.
• Ensure culturally informed descriptions and metadata accuracy.
• Organize topics to broaden I-Portal resources.
• Collaborate with colleagues to resolve issues and support inquiries.
• Contribute to quality assurance and service delivery at the desk.

Skills

Attention to detail

Judgment & analysis

Cultural competence

Communication skills

Education

Library Technician Diploma

OCAP training

Tools

Cataloguing software

Metadata tools

Job description

Library Assistant, Indigenous Studies Portal

The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and is proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous Peoples to reflect the community we serve. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships.

Only Indigenous candidates will be considered for this position.

Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by thedeybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policyand Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy.

Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship with documentation is a condition of employment and a requirement to hold this position and the successful candidate must maintain those conditions throughout their employment.

The Indigenous Studies Portal (iportal.usask.ca) is a research tool for the students and faculty of the University of Saskatchewan, but also for the people of Saskatchewan and beyond. The I-Portal is a database of full-text electronic resources such as articles, e-books, theses, government reports, videos, oral histories, and digitized archival documents and photographs. The I-Portal is an index of resources relating to Indigenous Peoples, cultures, and communities, with an emphasis on open access and freely available resources. We prioritize resources focused on what is now Canada, but also include information pertaining to Indigenous Peoples in the United States and in the larger International community.

Primary Purpose

The successful candidate will select, describe, and maintain content in the Indigenous Studies Portal (I-Portal), provide assistance to people using the I-Portal, and work with colleagues, both on campus and in the larger community, to enhance the I-Portal as a learning and research tool.

Nature of Work

The position is part of the University Archives and Special Collections (UASC) Division, reporting to the UASC Operations Manager, and with oversight and direction from the Assistant Dean for UASC. Work is performed in a dynamic and service-oriented environment with competing tasks and priorities. Duties are of above-average complexity involving a deep knowledge and understanding of the resources and functions related to the I-Portal. The work requires a high level of attention to detail. As the successful candidate, you are expected to use judgement and work independently on a daily basis. For the resolution of more complex issues, you will work with other I-Portal staff, the Assistant Dean, and other UASC and library colleagues. The need to be flexible and meet a variety of service standards and expectations from clients and colleagues is required.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities

• Identifies and selects suitable content for inclusion into the I-Portal database and creates database records to represent the individual content.
• Uses discretion when making decisions regarding content to be added to the I-Portal, keeping in mind what constitutes culturally sensitive material; reviews I-Portal records for appropriate terminology and Indigenous context.
• Assists in the organization of topics and improves the range of resources available in the I-Portal.
• Creates descriptive metadata for each item, which includes a brief, accurate, and culturally informed descriptive annotation and other standard fields such as title, author, journal citations, and categories/subject headings.
• Identifies the need for changes to categories/subject headings for I-Portal records.
• Participates in quality assurance processes.
• Works collaboratively with colleagues to resolve issues, address inquiries, etc.
• Communicates and adheres to established policies, standards, procedures, and best practices.
• Participates in University Archives and Special Collections service delivery, primarily through reference desk coverage;
• Undertakes project work and other duties, as assigned.
• Participates in ongoing professional development that includes cultural capacity building, decolonial and antiracist education.

Education

Library Technician Diploma, or undergraduate degree with relevant knowledge and/or experience. OCAP® training is considered an asset.

Experience

• Relevant library experience, particularly in the areas of cataloguing, metadata creation, and public services work - preferably with Indigenous research inquiries.
• In-depth knowledge of online resources.
• Experience working with Indigenous collections and research services would be preferred.
• Research experience in Indigenous arts, culture, education, health, legal systems, politics, etc. would be considered an asset.
• Knowledge of Indigenous worldviews, histories, governance structures, spiritualities, lands and/or cultures would be considered an asset.
• Experience working with/in Indigenous communities would be considered an asset.

Skills

• Excellent attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to use judgment and apply effective investigative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of the importance of and commitment to the use of current language to describe Indigenous Peoples, cultures, communities and related research.
• Demonstrated cultural competence.
• Demonstrated understanding of colonial histories, Indigenous resistance and resurgence.
• Demonstrated ability to read, comprehend and summarize written academic documents in English and to accurately proof and edit text.
• Ability to find and use translation tools for Indigenous languages.
• Strong internet and database searching skills.
• Experience with technology used to manage library collections, and demonstrated aptitude for learning and interest in exploring new technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, use initiative, organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines and effectively handle interruptions.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with others in a team environment.
• Reliable, dependable, and self-motivated.
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Possesses a tactful, responsive, and effective manner in all personal interactions.
• Demonstrated flexibility to adapt to change.

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Laurie Wing at [e-mail] or 306-966-2338.

Department: Library
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: CUPE 1975
Shift: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm with an EDO every third week
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $30.25 - 38.38 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Operational Services
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 5
Posted Date: 10/9/2026
Closing Date: 11/20/2026
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.

We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.

The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us for assistance.